There is an election on November 7th and Ramy bets his crispy $2 bills that no one knows who’s on the ballot.
Author: Mackensie Alvarez
Election Predictions – oh you didn’t know there was one coming up?
Governor
Winner: Phil Murphy (D)
The guy who is gonna legalize weed? Yes, that guy.
After 8 years of having an infamous celebrity in the Governor’s mansion, the future seat is seemingly quite the opposite. Long gone, will be the days of having a nationally televised leader who will be yelling, “shut up!”, or hugging it out with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
Former Ambassador to Germany under President Obama, Phil Murphy, a multi-millionaire who accumulated his $50 million net worth during his career at Goldman Sachs, was able to breeze passed was what going to be a highly contested primary. Notably, Murphy’s candidacy was able to scare off NJ state Senate President Steve Sweeney and even the most young & promising Jersey politician, Steven Fulop.
By characterizing his main opponent Kim Guadagno as an extension of Trump & Christie (who both have incredibly low favorability ratings in NJ) Murphy has positioned himself as the obvious choice. Even securing appearances and endorsements from former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and former VP Joe Biden.
HudPost can predict a victory with about 80% confidence.
Loser: Kim Guadagno (R)
Although there will be more than 2 candidates on the ballot, the one who will really be disappointed is, Kim Guadagno. Kim has been unable to differentiate herself from the person she served under as Lt. Governor. To further illustrate the comparison, her camp even took a page from the Trump strategy and targeted “Sanctuary Cities” as a hot policy topic.
So if you’re #AllinforKim, chances are you are playing a losing hand.
State Senator
Winner: Nicholas J. Sacco (D)
As Frank Dukes would call him, “legendary” political leader Nicholas Sacco is entering his 8th senate election with a motivated and unified Democratic Party. His closest election was in 1997 and since then, he has dominated. This election all eyes are on Murphy/Kim so don’t expect much to change with Sacco’s seat.
We at HudPost predict a Sacco victory with 100% confidence.
Loser: Paul Castelli (R)
This is Paul’s 2nd shot at the 32nd Legislative District and it does not look promising. In 2013, Castelli secured 8,542 votes against Sacco’s 20,000+ voter turn out (which happen to be Sacco’s best performance since 2001).
Given that little information exists, Paul may be running to scrape whatever republicans exist in the area in hopes to give Guadagno a boost in her election.
Assembly
Winner: Vincent Prieto (D) & Angélica M. Jimenez (D)
Depending on how we are measuring wins and losses, we can call Prieto and Jimenez technically “the winners,” however, Prieto will be re-entering the assembly in a much different role.
After serving as the Speaker for 3 years, it is said that Assemblyman Craig Coughlin has enough votes to become the Speaker of the House in January. This gives the Hudson County democrats less pull when it comes to pushing legislation.
We’ll call these victories with 100% confidence.
Loser: Ann M. Corletta (R) & Bartholomew Talamini (R)
Let’s admit it…it’s hard being a republican in Hudson County, but Ann & Bartholomew are trying. Both are Edgewater residents and it seems like they are going to focus on the affluent waterfront while Prieto/Jimenez rely on the political machine backed by one of the strongest lobbies in NJ; the NJEA.
Corletta & Talamini didn’t crack 1000 votes in the primary and let’s be real…has anyone heard of them? We’re being serious, we can’t even find a picture.
Freeholder
Winner: Anthony Vainieri (D)
The future is endless as incumbent Vainieri enters his 1st re-election campaign. The tides have calmed after a fairly contested election back in 2012. He was also elected chairman of the board amongst his peers during his first term.
His popularity is growing notably coordinating the sale/purchase of Hudson County’s High Tech High School and converting it into the new North Bergen High School. He further brought back the annual Hudson County Fair, Farmers’ Markets, and unique events like a classic car and bike show.
Given that Vainieri has no opponent this election, we at HudPost predict a Vainieri victory with 100% confidence (brave, right?).
Loser: NB Mayoral Opposition 2019 & 2023
Ok, so no one is running against Vainieri. This sends a strong message to the voters of North Bergen. Anthony is young…in a political sense (sorry, you have some grey’s Ant) and his strong partnership with Sacco is leading some to question if AV is the future of North Bergen.
2017 was supposed to be another exciting election with what was looking like a partnership between Vainieri’s previous opponent Sgt. Henry Marrero and former Mayor Candidate Larry Wainstien. But right before April’s board of education election, the lifelong resident and police Sergeant seemed to disappear from the scene.
Since the freeholder seat primarily relies on the whole town of North Bergen, this would’ve been the time for Wainstein to piece together his base and flex the influence that he’s spent millions acquiring.
The election will be held Tuesday November 7th, 2017.
The Duchess purchased for $166 million
The Duchess, a 320-unit high-rise at 7601 River Road in North Bergen was purchased by Post Brothers, a Philadelphia based company.
LWH Urban Renewal LLC sold the 12-story property for $166 million. The complex features a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom, ranging from 600 square feet to 2,600-square-foot.
On-site amenities include a water terrace with a heated outdoor pool, private beds, yoga decks, a sandbox, co-working space and child-friendly spaces.
Post Brothers was founded in 2006 by Matthew and Michael Pestronk, Post Brothers Apartments is said to be “dedicated to developing and operating class A, best-in-class apartment buildings and complexes at a superior cost basis.”
The company has over 3,000 rental units throughout the tri-state area.
$14.7 million dollar investment in North Bergen
Publicly traded real estate investment trust company, Jernigan Capital (JCAP), announced their $14.7 million investment in a North Bergen based climate-controlled, self-storage project.
The 5203 Kennedy Blvd location will be home to a seven-story, 83, 537 square-foot building. The facility will also offer 68,000 square feet of rentable space.
Construction will begin within 30 days with developer Mequity LLC.
Local bike sharing service expanding to North Bergen
“We are extremely excited to start the expansion of our bike share program in Hudson County,” Carlos Pujol, CEO of P3 Global Management, Hudson Bike Share’s parent company, said in a statement.
This fall, Hudson Bike Share, the public bike share program operating in Hoboken, will add 260 new bikes and 35 new stations throughout North Bergen and neighboring towns.
Users can register online or download the NextBike app. The cost of the program is $95 per year or $12.95 a month and includes unlimited 45-minute trips. Riders can also choose a pay-as-you-go option for $2 per 30-minute ride.
Riders can use a smart phone or key card to unlock bicycles at any of the stations in the system. Once rented, the user will be given a code to unlock the bike, and begin their 30 or 45-minute ride.
Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer says the program, “will become one of the largest bike share systems in the country.”
Over $30k raised for fallen officer's children in less than 24 hours
Over $31,000 has been raised for the late Sgt. Alexander Vazquez’s surviving children.
According to the GoFundMe page, the North Bergen Police Department and PBA Local 18 have started the fundrasier page in memoriam to Vazquez.
“In an effort to establish a scholarship fund to support his children, we ask you to give what you can to ensure that his children may succeed as best they can despite the void left by the loss of Sgt. Vazquez,” reads the fundraiser’s description.
Sgt. Vazquez was a father of four, ages one to eleven.
The fundraiser was started by Lieutenant Michael Vitali and had a goal of $20,000. The goal was passed in less than 24 hours.
You may contribute by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/family-of-sergeant-vazquez
Over $30k raised for fallen officer’s children in less than 24 hours
Over $31,000 has been raised for the late Sgt. Alexander Vazquez’s surviving children.
According to the GoFundMe page, the North Bergen Police Department and PBA Local 18 have started the fundrasier page in memoriam to Vazquez.
“In an effort to establish a scholarship fund to support his children, we ask you to give what you can to ensure that his children may succeed as best they can despite the void left by the loss of Sgt. Vazquez,” reads the fundraiser’s description.
Sgt. Vazquez was a father of four, ages one to eleven.
The fundraiser was started by Lieutenant Michael Vitali and had a goal of $20,000. The goal was passed in less than 24 hours.
You may contribute by visiting https://www.gofundme.com/family-of-sergeant-vazquez
#Community #PoliceFireEMT
Mayor Sacco reflects on Sgt. Vazquez legacy
“It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of one of our beloved North Bergen Police Department sergeants,” writes North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco in reference to the late Sgt. Alex Vazquez. “As a North Bergen Police Officer, [Vasquez] was regarded by his peers as a leader and a good friend to many in the department. He was a decorated officer with many great accomplishments throughout his career.”
“[Alex] was one of the most genuine guys I know. Alex you were what every man should want to be,” writes North Bergen Police Officer Kevin Rodriguez. “A cops cop, an excellent athlete, a smart dude with a bright future, a family man, and most of all a great father.”
Vazquez began his career in 2005 and is a graduate of the Passaic County Police Academy. Vazquez recently ranked #2 on the Sergeant Exam.
Vazquez has served as an Officer in Patrol Division and an Officer in the Detective Bureau. He was on loan to FBI Violent Crimes Task Force for an extended period of time.
Vazquez played a vital role in the high profile case of tracking down & arresting the actor involved in the Millburn home invasion and brutal assault of a mother captured on “nanny cam.”
“It’s a tough day in North Bergen and a devastating loss. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, wife, children, friends, and brothers & sisters in blue,” states the Mayor.
Funeral arrangements have been announced.
Wake: Oct. 27th Vanieiri Funeral Home 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Mass: Oct. 28th. Our Lady of Fatima 11:00 AM
Ex-North Bergen DPW official will avoid prison even after pleading guilty
Timothy J. Grossi, 77, is a former North Bergen DPW official who was indicted on charges of official misconduct after he was accused of abusing his powers in the department. During his trial, Grossi admitted to ordering township employees to work on political campaigns utilizing municipal vehicles.
After multiple delays in his trial due to “health related causes,” the 77-year-old finally plead guilty in Superior Court. Although the crime comes with a recommended sentence of five years in prison, it is reported by NorthJersey.com, that the judge overseeing the case will suspend Grossi’s jail time. This comes after cardiologist Dr. Preston Hupart said he is “not sure [Grossi] would survive,” a prison sentence.
“Grossi was one of the top officials in the North Bergen Department of Public Works, but this guilty plea will make him a convicted felon, just like the three supervisors under him who previously pled guilty or were convicted at trial,” says Attorney General Porrino.
Porrino is referring to the case of the former head of North Bergen’s DPW James Wiley, and two lower level workers Troy Bunero and Francis Longo who were convicted of working on political campaigns at the expense of North Bergen taxpayers.
“By arrogantly abusing the power entrusted to him and exploiting public workers for political purposes, Grossi promoted a culture of corruption within his department,” Porrino added.
Grossi sentence will take place on December 8th.
Bus on fire
North Bergen, NJ – NJ Transit bus on fire on i495
Hudpost 